Even My Cannabinoids Got Cannabinoids

Just like many of you, I’m no expert in the science of cannabis. But dammit I’m getting there! Cannabis is a beautiful, complex plant with endless healing properties.

But how do we know what types of cannabis heals what? Cannabinoids! The healing machines of the cannabis plant, aka the chemical compunds secreted by cannabis flowers.

We talk often about THC and CBD, well those are the main two. But thanks to science, over 85 have been discovered, all with beneficial properties. Say whaaaa??

Humans have an endocannabinoid system with their own natural compounds, right? Okay so cannabinoids imitate those compounds, activating those healing powers. It’s some real superhero type stuff.

Our brains and bodies already have receptors for cannabinoids. CB-1 is in the brain, CB-2 is in the body. Different effects from consuming cannabis comes from different cannabinoids binding to different receptors. Which is also why there’s indica (body high) and sativa (cerebral high). Comment below if I’m losing you. I’ve had to go over this info alot before really getting it.

Here’s a handy chart from Leafly that matches common symtoms with the cannabinoid:

Here’s an example. Let’s say you are suffering from pain, which can lead to depression or stress. THC, CBD, CBG may be included in a strain that would help you out. Like Island Sweet Skunk, a sativa.

Notice the percentages. When tested, this strain had a combination of many cannabinoids, including the ones that relieve those symptoms. None if the cannabinoids shown make up even 30%, of the entire strain but, the amount of each is high enough to provide relief when consumed.

THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) is only found in cannabis. The other healing cannabinoids found in cannabis can also be found in plants ranging from chocolate (contains FAAH, an enzyme that interacts with the endocannabinoid system) to black pepper (contains BCP, beta-caryophylle, a terpene that acts as a cannabinoid too. We’ll get back to terpenes soon.)

Cannabinoid testing improves everyday with technology and patient/user feedback. But without legalization, this research isn’t sponsored, leading to many barriers.

But for now, let’s start learning on our own. Get used to learning strains that meet your relief needs!

Talk to your primary physician about seeking cannabis treatment if you are indeed suffering from a condition. I’ll help as much as I can!